This weekend we traveled down to Calgary with our Barista Alix Osinchuk who was to represent Cafe Haven for the first time in a Barista Competition.

This annual regional event sees top performers progress to nationals (this year in Toronto) and the final winner heading on to Internationals in Columbia.

It is an extremely intense competition and Alberta is fast becoming a region where the standard of competitor is very high. Phil & Sebastien fielded 4 of the total 10 who competed on Saturday; Transcend Coffee had 2 (Josh & Chuck) and then 4 from other cafes/ roasters including our Alix.

This was Alix’s first time and most ‘newbies’ are terrified: the lights, the video camera over your shoulder, 4 sensory judges scrutinising the aroma and flavour; technical judges assessing the barista’s every move and the barista is wearing a mic (so panic breathing just gets amplified).

Alix received accolades from many people, including the judges, for her ability to make this look like it was not her first time competing. While Alix did not get through to the Nationals she demonstrated a level of professionalism that is testament to the many hours of practice and many late nights at the cafe.

We are so very proud of Alix and everything she has done over the last few months. Our reward is to promote Alix to assist in staff development of understanding espresso and improvement of making and serving drinks.

Congratulations Alix!